This exhibition paid tribute to the eight extraordinary state and territory recipients of the 2017 Australian of the Year Awards, including national winner Alan MacKay-Sim.
The 2017 Australian of the Year exhibition was on show at the National Museum of Australia from 16 December 2016 to 12 February 2017.
Meet our eminent Australians
Explore the objects
The National Museum uses objects to tell stories, to connect with others and make us think. We asked the Australian of the Year recipients from each state and territory to choose an object of personal significance to go on display. Each object tells us something about their lives, aspirations and experiences.

Football boot, ribbon and cross from Alan Tongue

Photograph and trophy from Andrea Mason

Erskine’s Speeches from Deng Adut

Seagull mobile from Kate Swaffer


Photograph, shells and perfume from Rosalie Martin

Mind map from Paris Aristotle

Declarations book and brick from Andrew Forrest
Supporters
The 2017 Australian of the Year exhibition was developed by the National Museum of Australia in collaboration with the National Australia Day Council. Portrait images supplied by the National Australia Day Council.
The National Australia Day Council would like to thank the following sponsors for their continued support of the Australian of the Year Awards program:

This exhibition was also on show at:
- Newcastle Museum, New South Wales, 14 June to 30 July 2017